Manchester United identify Frenkie de Jong alternative
Manchester United appear to have been chasing the signature of Frenkie de Jong for a while now but nothing concrete has materialise at this point of time, as the transfer saga involving the Barcelona star drags on. He is believed to be Erik ten Hag’s top target but at the same time, sooner or later, the Dutch manager will have to turn his eyes towards other players.
Till now, the feeling is that Manchester United and Barcelona are both keen to get a deal done, but it is De Jong, who wants to remain at Camp Nou and is unconvinced by the idea of a move to Old Trafford.
The problem is, strengthening their midfield is a necessity for Manchester United this summer and not a luxury. They will need to address the area soon and cannot afford to leave things too late, with the start of the new season not too far away.
It appears that Manchester United have some alternative targets as well, in case they are not able to get a deal for De Jong over the line. And one of them appears to be Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans, who is also wanted by Arsenal. Ben Jacobs tweeted out:
Man United's interest in Tielemans is genuine, too, and growing. He's a far cheaper and less complicated option than Frenkie de Jong. Erik ten Hag has put him on a midfield shortlist. Tielemans indicated under Ralf Rangnick he didn't want to move to #MUFC but ten Hag may revisit.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 20, 2022
Manchester United appear to have alternative De Jong target
It is a bit surprising that there is not more interest in the signature of Tielemans, who has been one of the best players in the Premier League, not playing for one of the traditional Big Six, for a while now.
Tielemans is just 25 years of age but already has plenty of top level experience at both club level, with Leicester City and AS Monaco, and international level, with the Belgian national team.
If Manchester United are able to sign him this summer, it would have to be considered as a major coup for the Red Devils.